Sean Gallagher joins Michael D Higgins on ballot sheet for presidency

SEAN GALLAGHER AND Joan Freeman have secured their fourth presidential nominations and will join President Michael D Higgins on the ballot for the upcoming presidential election.

Gallagher received his fourth nomination this afternoon, this time from Wexford County Council, to put his name on the ballot.

This evening, Senator Freeman secured her third and fourth council nominations from Fingal County Council and Galway City Council, meaning her name will also be on the ballot. (More on Joan Freeman’s nomination here.)

Earlier, Gavin Duffy secured his third presidential nomination from local authorities.

Just before 2.30pm, Carlow County Council voted for Dragons’ Den investor Gavin Duffy as their preferred candidate. Seven councillors voted in favour of Duffy, five voted in favour of Gallagher, while three voted for neither of those. Two councillors abstained and one councillor was absent.

Freeman also secured the backing of Galway County Council this afternoon.

I am honoured to nominated to run for President. I want to thank the 4 Councils who nominated me & all the Cllrs nationwide who supported me. I look forward to campaigning on the ground across the country. I also look forward to debating the other candidates on TV, Radio & online

Gallagher was the first presidential hopeful to receive a fourth nomination, thus securing his place on October’s presidential ballot, and he’s now been joined by Freeman.

Campaign

To get on the presidential ballot paper, a candidate needs the backing of at least four councils or 20 members of the Oireachtas.

Candidates have been travelling the length and breadth of the country in the last number of weeks to make their pitch to local councillors about why they think they should be president. Each local authority can only endorse one candidate.

President Michael D Higgins has already said he intends to seek a second term in the Office of President.